18. Jealous Friendship

After finishing my test, I stayed in the back of the room because Jack and I were texting and I didn't want to get caught because I liked it. He was a sweetheart and pretty funny. When Ms. Cay told everyone to partner up and start thinking about the next project, Jack quickly moved back next to me. Hayes saw it and didn't look too happy about it and Jack and I both saw his face. “So what's going on with you and Hayes, are you like... a thing?” Jack asked. I shake my head. “Well, no... not really.” I shrugged now. “I don't know.” He smiled. “Smart girl.” I laughed. “Thanks.” “So we're partners now, meaning I have to come over to your house and we have to work on this together. Alone. We have to be alone together.” I sigh. “Alone?” I repeat sarcastically. “With you? I think I want another partner now.” He sighed too. “I know, I know, it sucks. Too bad everyone else is already taken.” he shrugged. “Too bad.” I repeat again, making us both laugh. “Seriously though. What is going on with you and Hayes because he keeps looking over at us and doesn't seem to found of you talking to me.” “Nothing, we don't really have anything going on.” “So then it would be okay if I asked you out on Friday then?” I look up from my book and smile. “Jack, we just met literally like 20 minutes ago.” “Hanging out is a perfect way to get to know each other.” he sat back. “Plus, we're friends now.” “Oh really?” “Yeah, like best friends.” “Is that so?” “It is and friends need to get to know each other and we can get to know each other by going ice skating.” I laughed and put my head down for a minute. “I can't ice skate. Every time I do, I fall on my ass and hurt myself.” I say when I pick my head back up. “Fine then I'm just going to have to hold your hand.” he shrugged and sat back in his chair. “I guess so.” “So you'll go with me then?” “We'll see.” I nod/ * * * Walking out of school Hayes comes up to me. “Why were you so 'friendly' with Jack in History?” “Excuse me?” “I don't want you talking to him anymore, you understand? You need to find another partner.” I scoff and stop walking. “Who do you think you are? You don't own me; we're not together. I can talk to whoever I want to!” “I think I'm the guy you don't wanna piss off.” he grabbed my arm and pulled me close to his face. “Because I'm not very nice when you do.” “Ow. Hayes, stop.” I push him off but he doesn't walk away like I hoped. “I'm not afraid of you, so how about you just leave me alone now? Huh?” “Leave you alone?” he repeated. “If I recall correctly, just the other day you wanted me to be with you. Now your asking me to leave you alone? Make up your mind Liz because I don't like this mind game your playing with me.” “I'm playing a mind game? One minute your sweet and the next your a psycho-” I stop, realizing I haven't brought up anything Danny has told me. “Finish your sentence, Liz.” he squinted his eyes at me and crossed his arms. “Nothing, never mind. I'm going home.” I stepped around him and started walking to my car as fast as I could. My heart was beating so fast and I was afraid of what he might do to me right then and there, not caring that there were others in the parking lot